It has now been nearly six weeks since I had open heart surgery and I'm feeling better every day. There were times right after the surgery where I didn't think I'd ever feel anywhere near normal again, but slowly I've gotten stronger and am getting my energy back. There are even moments where I almost forget I had the surgery, but other moments where something will hurt or I can't do something that are stark reminders that I did.

It was six days after my open heart surgery and getting to go home was an exciting prospect. It meant I was healing, making progress, getting better, and at the time most excitingly, it meant my own bed. However, not exciting and rather scary, was the realization that I'd be on my own.

I was in and out of consciousness on Monday, the day after open heart surgery. Still waking up from the anesthesia, I have flashes of memories; my dad and aunt sitting in the room, my mom being by my side, my fiancé and his family watching over me.